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A Touch of Madness 76: Principessa
"Where are you going?" my father's question made me nervous."A potential investor is interested in developing 'JOY'. I'm meeting him this afternoon," I replied, grinning at my father.My father closed his eyes briefly before saying, "You said you didn't want to take any investor's offer because of your poor investor history.""But this is Kate's friend. It'll be fine." I replied again. Yeah, I didn't really have a choice anymore. I had to lie because my father might know about Capo being there. "We'll meet around Cambridge."My dad nodded. "I always supports whatever you want to do, Bella. If you make another misstep, I will help you."I was sure he would. He was the best dad for me. And I was sure that he would do that if only he knew about Sebastian giving me a hard time. It made me wonder if my dad really didn't know or if he pretended not to see because he had fallen for Sebastian's manipulation.Did he know that I already knew about the cosa nostra? Did he know that this was all
A Touch of Madness 77: madness
Sebastian. Flashback. Our meeting to discuss brotherhood business is the least of my concerns at the moment. Or most of the time, really.I have a role to play, and it's behind the scenes. The decisions my father makes are directly influenced by my opinions backed by my intel. The brotherhood rise in rank to one of the most indispensable pillars didn't happen just by luck. It was based on logic.I realized early on that to continue to thrive in our familia cartel, I needed the system in place. Trusted men-Marc and Diaz, although Diaz pushed it. Hackers. Informants in every possible organization. Although these elements existed during my grandfather's time, they had not been utilized to their full potential. I changed that and made them the strongest part of the cartel.Power is not shouting orders and taking up arms. They don't declare war and go on the offensive to show masculinity. True power smolders behind it, silenced in low tones and feared in public. I have become like that
A Touch of Madness 78: madness II
I've watched lives end right before my eyes.Not once.Not twice.But many times.After I saw life leave my grandmother's body when I was ten years old, I had an epiphany. Ah. Death is that easy.Death is a trigger pull, a splash of blood, and empty eyes. If grandmother, the Dominican who was fearless and stronger than life itself, was killed so easily, then her actions wouldn't have been so difficult. That's why I never feared death. Never looked the other way from it. Never hesitated in front of it.In fact, I barged straight into it. I subdued it and pushed it to it's knees in front of me, just like Grandpa did to Grandma, then shot her in the face. I had avoided death's clutches so often that I considered myself immune to it.In a way, death was meaningless to me.It doesn't touch me.Won't touch me.It was my fault. A glitch in my system.Although I'd never feared the end-or anything really-since my grandmother was executed, there was something I feared I'd lose.Or someone.O
A Touch of Madness 79: madness
A few months ago. Snow fell slowly, like ice flakes crumbling from the gray sky, decorating the yard of her grandfather's house. The cold creeps in, freezing, but it's nothing compared to what I feel inside.Isabella stood in the doorway, her stomach distended, her eyes looking at me with disappointment. At first glance, she looked strong, but behind her hard gaze, there was something fragile. Something that was breaking because of me.I stood still, suffocated by the weight of the feelings I had harbored for too long. Her image during this time never left my mind. Her trembling lips and her pale cheeks made my heart squeeze. I knew I had hurt her more than words could fix."You flew from Madrid to Milan just to stay silent?" Her voice came out sharp yet shaky, like a wall beginning to crack but still holding. There was anger tucked away, and underneath, a sadness I'd made too deep. I could hear her unspoken cries, crackling between each word.I sighed softly, the snow in my hair star
A Touch of Madness 80: Isabella
I swallowed a sleeping pill as I finished cleaning myself, and lay down on the bed. Ace was already there, my mom also sleeping by his side. Not wanting to wake them up, I moved up the bed slowly. Sighing heavily, I looked up at the faces of the two of them. My father, my mother, Belle-even though we were in a tense period-and Ace... I loved them so much. I love them so much that I don't want anything bad to happen to them.Sebastian's arrival was torture enough, coupled with his behavior that almost bankrupted my father's company, it put us on the edge.Sebastian was already freely toying with us at his fingertips because he wanted his son with him, for the weapon that would allow him to gain power, starting with the terrible doctrines he would give Ace. Ace...He was just an innocent, pure boy who was enthusiastic and curious about the world at the age of four.Obviously, children can be indoctrinated or influenced by the things around them without knowing whether it is good or ba
A Touch of Madness 81
Sebastian looked at me for a moment before nodding slowly. "We're going to make him happy today, Isa. There's nothing wrong with that."I swallowed and tried to smile for Ace. "Alright, let's go then."I tugged Ace's hand and walked towards the door, while Sebastian followed behind me. There was an ever-present tension between us, a tension that couldn't go away despite our best efforts to appear normal in front of Ace.The drive to Sebastian's house felt longer than usual. I felt like I was walking on thin glass, afraid that a small wrong step could make everything crumble. Ace sat in the backseat, telling me stories about his school with excitement, while I tried to stay focused on the road ahead. Sebastian sat quietly next to me, his gaze straight ahead, yet I could tell his mind was hard at work.When we got to his house, Ace immediately ran towards the pool with a giggle. Sebastian and I followed him, and at that moment I felt strange. We were like a whole family, but only on the
A Touch of Madness 82: Despair
I clutched the thick folder in my hand tightly, feeling the weight of the decision I had just made. My signature and the drop of my blood sealed the agreement that bound me deeper to the Cosa Nostra. The agreement was not just a piece of paper but a symbol of the immense responsibility now resting on my shoulders. As I entered Rikkard's office, anxiety and tension wrapped around my heart.Rikkard looked at me from behind his desk, his sharp eyes as always, but this time there was a hint of softness in them. "Isabella, you have taken a very important step," he said with a voice that was heavy yet understanding.I swallowed hard, trying to steady myself. "I signed the agreement," I said, handing him the folder. He opened it, examining the document filled with my signature and blood seal.Rikkard nodded slowly, his eyes meeting mine with deep meaning. "With this, you are officially the Donna of the Cosa Nostra. You have vast power and great responsibility. Just like your great-grandmothe
A Touch of Madness 83: despair II
The sheets were soft. I rolled over and buried my face in the pillow. But something wasn't right. My pillow smelled different than usual. Instead of the scent of my shampoo, it smells of wood, leather, and something like coffee.A scent that felt so familiar.I opened my eyes and sat up. His scent.The pillow smelled like Sebastian. The blanket slipped off my body, and I realized my skin was bare. Panic hit me like a blow to the chest. I pulled the blanket back into place and peered into the darkness. My collected wits made me remember what happened to me last time.Sebastian...He dragged me here."You're awake." His deep voice rang out around me, but I couldn't see him.I didn't answer anything.The darkness scares me a little now. I couldn't remember why I ended up sleeping so well because I cried so hard after he closed the door and left me here alone."Did you take off my clothes?""Yes."I grimaced and walked towards the edge of the bed opposite him. Panic rang in my ears, and e
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A Touch of Madness Epilog
Five years later.The sound of joyful laughter fills our warm living room. I rubbed my forehead, holding back a smile as I watched our twins, Athena and Azriel, run around yelling at each other. Both were still wearing the superhero costumes they got from Janet's birthday party, complete with fluttering red capes as they ran around the living room."Nana! Azzy! That's enough!" I called out, trying to be a bit chatty even though it was hard to hold back my laughter at their behaviour. "Stop chasing each other around the house. If you want to play superhero, do it in the garden!"Athena paused for a moment, looking at me with wide eyes full of innocence. But instead of obeying, the girl shook her head quickly, grinning as she turned to chase after her twin, who ran away. "I don't want to go outside! It's fun here!" she said, her cheerful laughter filling the room."Yes, but I will lose my sanity if you two keep shouting like this!" I tried to put on a angry face, but Azriel just jumped
A Touch of Madness 113 : War is Over
Sleepiness strikes hard because I haven't slept in two days. It’s crawls over my eyes, making them feel heavy, yet every time I close my eyes, flashes of horror always appear, stopping me from falling into a comfortable sleep. The clock on the wall ticked softly, breaking the silence of the night that felt too quiet. But suddenly, a rumbling sound came from outside. The sound of slamming doors and hurried footsteps. It gets closer, echoing up to my bedroom door, then...The door opened with a bang, and Killian walked in with a tense face. Without a word, he grabs my hand, gripping it roughly. "We're leaving now," he said coldly, his voice low but filled with a frightening haste."What happened?" I demanded, resisting his grip even though there was barely any strength in the resistance. "Don't ask too many questions," he said coldly as he dragged me out of the room, his steps quick, almost running.We walked down the creaking stairs through the narrow, dimly lit hallways. I tried to
A Touch of Madness 112
Isabella POV.I couldn't sleep. I couldn't close my eyes completely. I stared at the scenery behind the glass. I was expecting something. To someone to come and get me. Sebastian. I wish Sebastian were here.I hug my belly tightly, holding my babies. My chest feels tight, my heart beating wildly in the silence of the night that feels so foreign. Outside, the waves were constantly crashing against the cliff, making a sound that somehow made my body tense up even more. Beyond the windowpane, I could only see the dark, endless sea with no sign of life. Only my own shadow was faintly reflected, looking so fragile in the middle of this cold room.I rubbed my stomach lightly, trying to give warmth to my two unborn babies, hoping they could feel my false calm. "Everything will be okay," I whispered almost silently, more to calm myself than for them. But, I knew I needed to reassure them and tell them their mother would fight.My heart refused to calm down, pounding like it was rebelling
A Touch of Madness 111
The broken glass on the floor scattered like the shattered remnants of my hope with each passing minute without Isabella by my side. I stared at Marc and Diaz with a sharp look to make them tremble. My chest was beating hard, each beat full of anger and fear that couldn't be suppressed."Useless," I hissed, my voice hoarse and low. They both looked down, not daring to raise their heads.Marc tried to speak, his voice sounding weak, like a child caught in the act. "We've checked the small ports, contacted everyone who might know their whereabouts—""But it came up empty, didn't it?" I cut in, hitting the table so hard that Marc jerked back. "My wife is missing somewhere, and you guys can only stand here like fools!"I looked at Diaz, who gulped, his eyes troubled as he looked at me. But I didn't give him a chance. Every second without news of Isabella made my blood boil. To think that she might be trapped in the hands of a bastard like Killian... my mind was filled with images of a t
A Touch of Madness 110
My head throbbed violently as the harsh sunlight pierced my eyelids. Heavily, I sat up, trying to understand where I was. Rough wooden walls and small windows with dull curtains emitted light all around me, making this room feel even more alien and rough. My heartbeat quickened, panic creeping up from my toes to my head. This was not a room on our private island, not a place I recognized. The walls were weathered, and the overpowering scent of sea salt pierced my nose, mixed with the damp, unfamiliar smell of wood.The memories swirl, fragment by fragment, starting to return, like pieces of a nightmare creeping in slowly.The silent night on the island, Killian's sudden grip, the thin, cold smile on his face, then the hallways of the house echoing with unfamiliar steps. My memory stops at the moment he pulls me towards the boat, waiting at the dock, as I struggle, trying to escape. But all my efforts were in vain. Killian's grip was like an iron shackle I couldn't break.I stood uns
A Touch of Madness 109
"I'll be back tomorrow morning before you wake up." Sebastian's voice sounded lazy from our connected call. "I have so many things to take care of. I promise we'll have a good time once I'm done with all this. But I feel bad leaving you alone there."I chuckled softly. "Yeah, that's okay. There's Janet here. I don't feel alone."He chuckled on the other end of the line, his low laugh almost drowned out by the slightly crackling signal. "Yeah, my cousin with her... unique personality," he continued, his voice trying to sound serious but instead sounding full of warmth. "She'll probably set your whole life in pink if you let her. Just make sure she doesn't end up redecorating our house or... suggesting weird names for our baby."I smiled, imagining Janet, who could vigorously transform the house into a sea of pink, complete with flashy accessories. It was like relentless energy ready to fill every corner of the room, chasing away any loneliness I might feel while Sebastian was away. "T
A Touch of Madness 108
"It looks like your Abuelo has other ambitions."Apparently, he seemed to welcome me not because I was his grandson's wife but because we had a son, and two more twins were about to come out to greet the world. It was like he welcomed a treasure and an asset rather than a great-grandchild. It made me wonder how Sebastian's father had grown up under pressure from his father and how Sebastian had grown up under pressure from his grandfather.I nestled comfortably on his chest. He sat on a lounge chair, his hands cradling my growing belly. In front of us is a beach and a vast ocean.It was a beautiful sight. Sebastian tightens his arms around me, his warmth contrasting with the sea breeze gently brushing against my skin. In front of the calm blue sea, I can feel everything, as well as the freedom that has been almost foreign since meeting his grandfather.Sebastian bowed his head, his lips touching my head gently. "I want our kids to have a choice," he whispers, his voice almost drowne
A Touch of Madness 107
Silence hung in the air as Sebastian's grandfather folded his arms, his eyes never leaving my face. With a small gesture, he nodded as if encouraging himself to continue the conversation that, perhaps, he had planned for so long."And... what about your son? Ace? Your father told me that he is a cheerful and smart boy." His voice was low, but his tone was unmistakable. Demanding an answer, he turned to Sebastian and to me.I let out a small sigh, trying to keep my smile genuine as I replied, "Ace is a wonderful boy. Smart, full of energy, and very curious." Talking about my son in front of someone who looked so critical felt strange, but I didn't want to show any doubt.Sebastian, who had been standing quietly beside me, shifted slightly. His arm slowly wrapped around my waist, signaling he wouldn't let me face this alone."Oh, really?" he looked at us, alternating between me and Sebastian. A faint light in his eyes showed interest, albeit with skepticism. "He must meet me one day. I
A Touch of Madness 106
The phone in my hand vibrated softly, displaying a name that instantly warmed my chest. Ace's face appeared on the screen with one touch, and his wide smile greeted me. His hair was a little messy, as usual, and his school uniform was already rumpled here and there. "Momma!" he exclaimed cheerfully. "I just got home from school!" Seeing his face is always like a breath of fresh air in the thick Mexico City air. I smiled softly, adjusting the position of my phone so I could see him better. "How was your day at school, baby?" Ace shrugged his little shoulders, his face glistening with childlike satisfaction. "Good! I learned about dinosaurs today. They're cool, Mom. I like T-Rex, but my friends say I look like a velociraptor." He chuckles, his cheeks slightly flushed with excitement. I chuckled softly my feelings had drifted to a lighter place with his laughter. "Oh? Velociraptor, huh? You're fast like them." "I'm smart too!" he added quickly, his face full of confidence. "
